IrelandThe Emerald Island

Jill NicholsonMr. Kelly

Location

Ireland is located in the Atlantic Ocean on the continent of Europe. It is separated from the United Kingdom by the Irish Sea.

Ireland shares the island it sits on with Northern Ireland.

GeographyIreland has low mountains, the highest is Carrantuohill which rises to 3 415 ft.

Shannon is the principal river. It begins in the north-central area and flows south for 386 km, then empties into the Atlantic.

The Hill of Tara was the seat of power for ancient kings.

Climate & Environment

Ireland has a temperate maritime climate. Generally it rains in the winter and is sunny in the summer. It rarely gets cold enough for snow to fall anywhere but the tops of mountains.

Species native to Ireland include the pine marten(above), the hedgehog, red fox, Irish hare, and red deer.

landmarks

Built in 1200 in honour of Saint Patrick. It is the largest church in Ireland.

Celtic Crosses

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

More than 200 crosses still stand, but many are in bad shape. The oldest date back to the Middle Ages.More than 300 000 people

kiss the stone each year. The stone is said to give eloquent speech, and it’s origin is a mystery.

Blarney Stone

History 1. 432 - Saint Patrick introduces Christianity to Ireland.2. 1727- Catholics are denied the right to vote. Protestant and

Catholic relations remain unsteady from here on out.3. Act of Union: 1801. Great Britain and Ireland become the

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.4. Irish Potato Famine: 1845-1851. Killed over a million and led

another million to flee. 5. Irish Civil War: 1922-1923. War broke out between the Free

State Soldiers (supported the Treaty) and the Irregulars (opposed the treaty). The treaty made Ireland a self-governing dominion of Britain.

6. 1990: Ireland elects first female president, Mary Robinson.

Customs and TraditionsSt. Patrick’s Day –

March 17th A popular day not only in

Ireland, it is thought to be the anniversary of Saint Patrick’s death. It’s a day all about being Irish!

Claddagh RingWorn as wedding ring. Originated in the fishing village of Claddagh. It was first introduced in the 17th century. The ring represents love, friendship and loyalty.

Government- Ireland is a parliamentary democracy. - National Parliament consists of a President, a Senate, and a House of Representatives.- Parliament holds the exclusive power to make laws. - Anyone 18 years of age or older has the right to vote in elections. The public choose their President.

Economy

Goods produced in Ireland include knits, steel, glass, crystal, food products, textiles.

The Ireland economy focuses of high-tech industries and depends on trade and investment. Ireland has a strong economy but the financial crisis in 2008 took it’s toll on the country.

TourismThe Cliffs of Moher are the highest cliffs in Europe. Ancient watchtowers are located there that used to warn people of Viking invasions.

Powerscourt Garden is one the world’s most breathtaking gardens. It began in the 1740’s and takes up over 45 acres.

Notable Irishmen

Pierce Brosnan: Best known for playing James Bond, he has acted in a number of succesful movies and television series. Today he is also a film producer and environmentalist.

Oscar Wilde:One of the greatest writers in history. Wilde wrote plays, poems, and short stories that portrayed the human condition and captivated people around the world.

Works cited•"Ireland." (2005): n. page. Web. 19 Sep. 2011. <http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107648.html>.

• "Climate of Ireland." n. page. Web. 19 Sep. 2011. <http://www.wesleyjohnston.com/users/ireland/geography/climate.html>.

•"Facts about Ireland." Authentic Ireland. n. page. Web. 19 Sep. 2011. <http://www.authenticireland.com/ireland+facts>.

•"History." St. Patrick's Cathedral. n. page. Web. 19 Sep. 2011. <http://www.stpatrickscathedral.ie/history.aspx>.

•"Blarney Stone, Cork, Ireland." Sacred Sites. Magic Planet Productions, 2010. Web.

•"Irish Potatoe Famine." The History Place. 2000. Web

•"1990: Ireland elects first woman president." BBC. Web. 19 Sep. 2011.